3 days ago
8 Latino-owned wineries making a splash in the American wine industry
Winemaker Aurora Cória (pictured, center) embraces the family business – Photo courtesy of Cória Estates
For generations, folks from Mexico and South and Central America have immigrated to the U.S. and made their mark on the American wine industry. Although in the minority, many Latino-owned wineries are making waves in the industry by blending heritage with innovation, from the vine to the bottle. Here, we toast to eight Latino-owned wineries creating a legacy and inspiring future generations of winemakers in the U.S. Ceja Vineyards, Sonoma, California
The Ceja family welcomes guests to their winery – Photo courtesy of Ceja Vineyards
Despite being founded in 1999, Ceja Vineyards' story began in 1967 when patriarch Pablo Ceja and his wife, Juanita, along with their six children, left Mexico and immigrated to the United States. They settled in the St. Helena area, where both parents worked and became acquainted with the art of viticulture. By 1983, the hardworking family, along with two sons, Pedro and Armando, and Pedro's wife, Amelia, took a leap of faith and purchased 15 acres in Carneros, which straddles Napa and Sonoma counties.
Today, Ceja Vineyards spans 113 lush acres and specializes in chardonnay and pinot noir, along with a selection of other premium Carneros-based wines. Tastings are by reservation only.
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Where to stay: Located in the heart of Sonoma, the elegant MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa offers spacious guest rooms, a spa, an outdoor pool, and three restaurants.
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Cória Estates, Salem, Oregon
Luis, Aurora, and Janice Cória are often seen welcoming guests at their family winery – Photo courtesy of Cória Estates
Driving to Cória Estates will take your breath away. The tasting room is perched on a hilltop in Salem, offering expansive views of the valley below. Founded in 1998 by Luis and Janice Cória, they planted their first grapes on nine acres in 1999. Mexican-born Luis left home when he was only 14 years old, seeking opportunities in the U.S., where he eventually met Janice, who grew up in Idaho. Many years later, the property spans 104 acres and is a family affair; daughters Aurora and Elizabeth help run the successful business.
Tasting experiences at this Latino-owned winery are fun and eventful, featuring a variety of delicious food offerings from the de la cocina menu. They also host live musical performances on the patio. Sit back and relax as you watch the sun go down, sipping their classic pinot noir or pinot gris. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome.
Where to stay: Nestled along the Willamette River, the 72-room Independence Hotel is conveniently near antique shops, charming boutiques, and a nice selection of eateries in downtown Independence.
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Guerrero Fernandez Winery, Windsor, California
Founders Olga Fernandez and Martin Guerrero make boutique wines in Sonoma County – Photo courtesy of Guerrero Fernandez Winery
Located in the Artisan Beverage District in Windsor, the husband-and-wife team of Martin Guerrero and Olga Fernandez founded Guerrero Fernandez Winery in 2004. The winery sources grapes from local vineyards in the Russian River Valley and Sonoma County, capturing the essence of the region's flavors in every bottle. Using traditional winemaking methods, their portfolio primarily features red wines, including pinot noir, merlot, zinfandel, and cabernet sauvignon.
The couple's journey began almost 40 years ago when they left their home in Morelia, Mexico, to explore new opportunities in California's wine country. Guerrero worked at Korbel Champagne Cellars for 20 years, where he learned and fine-tuned his skills before pursuing his own business and becoming a winemaker.
Where to stay: Nestled along the Russian River, Mine + Farm is a contemporary bed-and-breakfast offering cozy digs for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
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Atticus Estate Vineyard & Winery, Yamhill, Oregon
Atticus owners Ximena and Guy Orrego host private tastings in their home – Photo courtesy of Carolyn Wells-Kramer
Located in Oregon's Willamette Valley, Atticus Estate Vineyard & Winery is part of the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area (AVA), renowned for its vibrant pinot noir grapes. Winemaker Ximena Orrego, who founded the winery in 2005 alongside her husband, Guy, was born in Peru and raised in Venezuela. At Atticus Estate, you'll find by-appointment-only wine tastings offered in both English and in Spanish.
'One of the most meaningful changes I've witnessed is the increasing presence of women in the wine industry," says Ximena. "I've also noticed a slow but steady rise in diversity, which is bringing fresh ideas, broader perspectives, and renewed energy to our field. It's no longer just about tasting. People are seeking something deeper, more personal, and truly memorable.'
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Where to stay: Stay in a converted grain silo at Abbey Road Farm, a splendid 82-acre property nearby. One bonus is the fresh multicourse breakfast crafted by celebrated chef Will Preisch. Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery, Camp Verde, Arizona
Winemaker Ignacio Mesa's pups are some of the friendly faces you'll see at Clear Creek Winery – Photo courtesy of Ignacio Mesa / Clear Creek Winery
The Verde Valley AVA is unique due to its high-desert atmosphere, rich soil, and diverse temperature changes from day to night. Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery was established in 1999 when owner and winemaker Ignacio Mesa purchased 10 acres of land. From the outset, Mesa was committed to organic farming, with a focus on sustainability. His passion and dedication to responsible practices earned him the Silver Innovator Sustainability Certification in Arizona in 2018, making him the first winery in the state to receive this recognition.
Mesa's family is originally from Mexico. 'My grandfather moved in with us when I was in my teens," Mesa says. "He was very grumpy, but he became calmer when he had a glass of wine in the evenings. I recognized the benefit of wine and thought I would like to make wine someday.'
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The Latino-owned winery is surrounded by mountain views and features a patio for outdoor tastings. Rhône, Bordeaux, and Spanish varietals are Clear Creek's highlights. Guests can make reservations for tastings online.
Where to stay: Located in the Village of Oak Creek, Las Posadas of Sedona is a lovely boutique hotel offering suites and villas, along with a hearty homemade daily breakfast.
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Story of Soil, Los Olivos, California
Jessica Gasca saved money and began making wine while apprenticing on a vineyard – Photo courtesy of Lauren Maeve Photography
Story of Soil, located in the picturesque town of Los Olivos in Santa Barbara County, is dedicated to small-batch, single-vineyard wines. Winemaker Jessica Gasca, a strong advocate for vineyard and farm workers in the area, created her first Story of Soil vintage in 2012 and opened the tasting room in 2017 with her husband.
Story of Soil works with a curated selection of vineyards within the county to highlight the bold flavors of the region; Gasca's focus is on single varietals, showcasing each one's unique flavor. Enjoy these handcrafted wines — especially her pinot noirs — on the spacious outdoor patio.
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Where to stay: Sleep in ranch-chic luxury at the Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Resorts Collection, just a few blocks away from the tasting room.
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Jose Wine Caves, Garden Valley, California
Jose Wine Caves owner Alfonso Elena keeps his family close – Photo courtesy of Jose Wine Caves
Located in the Sierra Foothills about an hour from Sacramento, you'll find Jose Wine Caves on a small bluff overlooking the Coloma Valley. Owner and winemaker Alfonso Elena has been working in the industry since 1975, when he emigrated from Tonalà, Oaxaca, Mexico, to Napa. After spending many years there, he resettled in El Dorado County, where he purchased land and started growing grapes. He opened Jose Wine Caves in 2013, in dedication to his brother.
The region's cooler temperatures and higher elevations create unique and complex flavors. Elena's specialties are zinfandel and syrah; although, he produces other blends. The wines are made with hand-picked grapes and contain a limited amount of sulfites. The intimate tasting room is family friendly and welcomes pets.
Where to stay: Located about 15 minutes away from Jose Wine Caves, Rock Creek Inn offers six motel-style rooms with modern amenities. RG|NY Vineyards, Riverhead, New York
Maria Rivero González keeps family tradition alive at RG|NY Wine – Photo courtesy of Estefany Molina / RG|NY
The Rivero González family has been making wines in Parras, Coahuila, Mexico, since 1998. In 2018, the family purchased vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island and created RG|NY Vineyards. RG|NY spans over 200 acres amidst an established East Coast wine region that's home to more than 60 vineyards.
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In addition to tastings, RG|NY hosts a wide array of events, including dinners and live musical performances. Maria Rivero González, CEO of RG|NY, taps her family's experience and success in Mexico and applies it to the vineyards in North Fork. The certified sustainable winery incorporates natural pest control, eliminating the use of toxic chemicals, and utilizes renewable energy.
Where to stay: The historic Preston House & Hotel, in downtown Riverhead, offers guests a comfortable stay in a quiet neighborhood setting.
